annoying click/clunk behind dash

[goose69]

Ok guys, I want to throw this out there. My '66 Belvedere has this annoying sound that generates behind the dash. Now this only happens after the key is turned on. I don't even have to start the car or turn the lights on. Shortly after turning the key on a heavy click is heard behind the dash. Then a few moments later a clunk sound. I noticed the lights being affected during this time and the amp gauge moves too. I have tried swapping out the voltage regulator plugged into the dash board with others I have lying around but no difference. Lately I ordered a new regulator for the dash and replaced the old with this new one....same thing happens. Any suggestions? Possible amp gauge problem?
Thanks.

 

[kiwigtx]

Have you got A/C in this car?...sounds like a time-delay relay like an alarm, fuel cut-off timer relay or the A/C clutch cutting in because the switch is left ON before shutting down the engine. I can't imagine a voltage regulator making a clunk sound like you describe. :eusa_think:

 

[Dennis H]

I've got a rythmic thump when trying to change to defrost to get air flow at dash. Seems like a HVAC door is struggling to open in there. Pretty loud. Only under those circumstances. Got aftermarket ac using old cable controls.

 

[goose69]

Have you got A/C in this car?...sounds like a time-delay relay like an alarm, fuel cut-off timer relay or the A/C clutch cutting in because the switch is left ON before shutting down the engine. I can't imagine a voltage regulator making a clunk sound like you describe. :eusa_think:

Nope, this car is not an A/C car. Heater controls not even hooked up. This seems to be coming from right behind the dash cluster.

- - - Updated - - -

I did forget to mention that when this sound is made the dash lights dim also and then it click sound comes on and they brighten back up again

 

[The Horvaths]

Got a clock in the dash?

 

[Ashy22]

Hi guys. I have a similar problem.

I have just taken possession of a 1969 Roadrunner. It's in a really very good condition but it has a few minor problems.

Number one is flickering lights when either the ignition key is in the "test accessory position " turned to the left or in the first position turned to the right. (engine not running)

The ammeter kind of flickers to the left every few seconds intermittently with a faint clicking sound in time with the movement as well. The clicking sound is coming from the dash.

Is this some kind of electrical short down to earth or maybe a faulty ignition switch?

Any ideas please.

Cheers

Ashy22

 

[Coronet 14]

Does your car have a iginition key light timer relay

 

[goose69]

Got a clock in the dash?

No clock

- - - Updated - - -

Does your car have a iginition key light timer relay

Not that I'm aware of. Didn't think about this but wouldn't it only click on/off once?

 

[Ashy22]

same here..............

I have noticed that after a few erratic clicks where the ammeter goes left there is sometimes a noise like a "ping".

Everything is then OK for about 5 seconds and the whole thing starts over again......... a few clicks and then a ping noise............weird!!!

 

[goose69]

same here..............

I have noticed that after a few erratic clicks where the ammeter goes left there is sometimes a noise like a "ping".

Everything is then OK for about 5 seconds and the whole thing starts over again......... a few clicks and then a ping noise............weird!!!

This sounds exactly like my issue. I'm am very curious as to what it might be.
Does yours do it even with just turning the key on without starting the engine or turning anything on?

 

[Ashy22]

This sounds exactly like my issue. I'm am very curious as to what it might be.
Does yours do it even with just turning the key on without starting the engine or turning anything on?

My Roadrunner does it in the "Accessories" key position which is turned to the left AND in the position turned to the right, one step before you engage the starter motor.

I think it may be something to do with the 2 speed wiper motor switch. I am still investigating and will post some more info soon. I don't think that it is the Ammeter although most things point to that.

 

[69wedge383]

I had a sound like a click behind my 69 Coronet dash, it turned out to be the leads (posts) on the back of my Amp gauge had melted/shorted out against the metal backing of the Amp gauge. very glad I found it. I could only imagine what would have happened if I had not! I would recommend checking any Mopar with that style Amp gauge. should be as easy as taking your I-phone (or?) turn the video recorder on with the light on; in your hand and work it up under the dash in that area, move it around a little then watch the video and see if you have any issues.